F-1 status need to go to Canada to pick up Canadian Green Card

[kshkaruta]

Hi,
I am F-1 status Russian citizen finishing my undergrad this Winter year 2011. My OPT starts on Dec 23, 2011. I have recently got my Canadian Green Card approved. Now I have Canadian visa in my passport until February 2012, so I can land in Canada to pick up my Green Card.

My question:
When and how is the best way to pick up my Canadian Green Card so I am still able to come back to US?

-Should I go while I am still a student?
- Should I go once my OPT starts (after Dec23)?
- Can I get my F-1 visa stamp in Canada or I have to travel to Russia?
- Can enter back as a Canadian resident? And do I need a visa then?
- Can I receive my Canadian Green Card at Canadian embassy in the US?


Some details:
- I have being in the States for 5 years without leaving the country.
- I entered on J-1 visa and switched to F-1 status within the country.
- My original J-1 visa is not a subject to 2-year rule.
- I already have a job lined up in the US upon my graduation, so on April 1st my employer plans to file my H-1B.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
Ksenia

[billvor]

-Should I go while I am still a student?
- Should I go once my OPT starts (after Dec23)?

You should decide for yourself what do you want. As I know your Canadian visa valid for some period of time. You should decide depending on that.

- Can enter back as a Canadian resident? And do I need a visa then?

You do need a visa. But I believe it is very easy to get US visitor's visa for Canadian permanent residents. Also keep in mind that getting permanent resident card takes some time.

By the way. If you are going to pursue H1-B in US getting Canadian permanent residence is almost useless - you will loose it.